Evaluating the Impact of Formulation Parameters on Permeation of Clotrimazole from Topical Creams

Objective: The objective of the current study is to examine the effects of emulsifying agents (Cremophore RH40, Tween 40) and permeation enhancers (l-Menthol) on cream formulations. The goal is to develop a formulation that is both safe and capableof delivering the drug locally at an effective concentration to achieve its intended therapeutic effect. Methodology: In the present work was applied to study the effect of varying concentration of Cremophore RH40, Tween 40 and permeation enhancers (l-Menthol). All of the prepared cream formulations were evaluated for its physicochemical parameters like pH, spreadability, viscosity, drug content and in vitro diffusion studies. Further, the optimized formulation was evaluated for in vitro anti-fungal activity and stability studies. Results: Different formulations of the cream were prepared using different concentration emulsifying agent and all the findings obtained were within the prescribed limit with less diffusion of drug. Out of nine different formulations, F9 was chosen as the optimized formula was included with menthol as penetration enhancer. The concentration of permeation enhancer significantly affects the critical parameters of cream formulation like cumulative amount released at 12 hours. In vitro permeation study showed that menthol enhanced the transdermal absorption of drug from cream formulation. The topical cream formulation developed in this study showed good anti- fungal activity and stable for 3 months. Conclusion: The development of topical cream to have localized effects appears to be very advisable and beneficial over conventional routes of provides the drug administration for the effective treatment of Skin infections